Removable dishwasher utensil basket that transforms into a utensil holder for a drawer

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a new and improved dishwasher utensil basket which eliminates the need to empty the utensil basket or tray in a dishwasher, simply transforming that basket or tray into a drawer organizer and placing it into a drawer. This removable utensil basket saves time and effort and is more sanitary as it eliminates the need to touch each and every utensil. It is also inexpensive and simple to manufacture and easy to use.

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/690,446 filed Jun. 26, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of utensil organizers, and more particularly pertains to a basket which holds and organizes utensils in a dishwasher and when removed from the dishwasher transforms into a basket which holds and organizes utensils in a kitchen cabinet drawer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utensils used for eating are generally stored in a basket or tray in the drawer of a kitchen cabinet until use, and then after use, unless they are washed by hand, they are placed in a separate basket in an automatic dishwasher which holds and organizes the utensils for cleaning. The clean utensils are removed from the dishwasher, sorted and generally placed into a basket or tray in the drawer of a kitchen cabinet. This is a repetitive and time-consuming chore. It can also be unsanitary, as it is necessary to touch each and every utensil.

An improved device is needed which eliminates much of this repetitive work, a device which eliminates a step in this process and which maintains the utensils in an organized and useful arrangement and is also inexpensive and simple to manufacture and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device which eliminates the need to empty the eating utensils from the utensil basket or tray taken out of a dishwasher, and is also inexpensive and simple to manufacture and easy to use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device which eliminates the need to empty the utensil basket or tray in a dishwasher, simply transforming that basket or tray into a drawer organizer and placing it into a drawer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device which eliminates the need to empty the utensil basket or tray in a dishwasher, simply transforming that, basket or tray into a drawer organizer and placing it into a drawer with the sanitary advantage that it is not necessary to touch each and every utensil when moving it from the dishwasher to a drawer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device which eliminates the need to empty the utensil basket or tray in a dishwasher, simply transforming that basket or tray into a drawer organizer and placing it into a drawer, said basket, or tray being manufactured of compatible size and material to be compatible with the baskets or trays provided by commonly available dishwasher manufacturers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective oblique side view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention configured for a dishwasher.

FIG. 2 is a perspective trout view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention configured for a dishwasher.

FIG. 3 is a perspective edge view of a household dishwasher utensil, basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention configured for a dishwasher.

FIG. 4 is a perspective top oblique view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention configured for a dishwasher.

FIG. 5 is a perspective edge view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention with front panel 111 folded open.

FIG. 6 is a perspective edge view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention with front panel 111 folded under the household dishwasher utensil basket 140.

FIG. 7 is a perspective edge view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention configured as a drawer insert, with front panel 111 folded under the household dishwasher utensil basket 140.

FIG. 8 is a perspective oblique side view of a household dishwasher utensil basket according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing said invention configured as a drawer insert, with front panel 111 folded under the household dishwasher utensil basket 140.

DESCRIPTION Of THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows the present invention, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 according to one embodiment of said invention comprising a rear wall 100, side walls, a front wall 111 and interior panels dividing the basket into compartments for the purpose of holding, organizing and separating eating utensils such as silverware, comprising knives, forks, spoons and the like.

The structure of said front wail 111 includes hinge means 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 132, 133, 134 and 135 which allow said front wall 111 to fold forward and under said dishwasher utensil basket 140, permitting said dishwasher utensil basket 140 to be re-configured and inserted into a drawer without the necessity of removing and sorting said utensils. A clip means 141 holds said front wall 111 securely in place when household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is configured for dishwasher use. Hook means 145 and 147 serve as an additional or as an alternative means of removably fastening front wall 111 securely in place.

Referring to FIG. 2, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is shown according to one embodiment of said invention comprising a rear wall 100, side walls, a front wall 111 and interior panels dividing the basket into compartments for the purpose of holding, organizing and separating eating utensils such as silverware, comprising knives, forks, spoons and the like.

The structure of said front wall 111 includes hinge means 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 131, 132, 133, 134 and 135 which allow said front wall 111 to fold forward and under said dishwasher utensil basket 140, permitting said dishwasher utensil basket 140 to be re-configured and inserted into a drawer without about the necessity of removing and sorting said utensils. A clip means 141 holds said front wall 111 securely in place when household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is configured for dishwasher use. Book means 145 and 147 serve as an additional or as an alternative means of removably fastening front wall 111 securely in place.

Referring to FIG. 3, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is shown according to one embodiment of said invention comprising a rear wall 100, side walls, a front wall 111 and interior panels dividing the basket into compartments for the purpose of holding, organizing and separating eating utensils such as silverware, comprising knives, forks, spoons and the like.

The structure of said front wall 111 includes hinge means 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 32, 133, 134 and 135 which allow said front wall 111 to fold forward and under said dishwasher utensil basket 140, permitting said dishwasher utensil basket 140 to be re-configured and inserted into a drawer without, the necessity of removing and sorting said utensils. Referring to FIG. 4. the front panel 111 is folded completely under said utensil basket, which when resting on its rear panel becomes a utensil drawer organizer. A clip means 141 holds said front wall 111 securely in place when household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is configured for dishwasher use. Hook means 145 and 147 serve as an additional or as an alternative means of removably fastening front wall 111 securely in place.

Referring to FIG. 5, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is viewed from the side, with clip means 141 released to allow front panel 111 to told forward on hinge means 121, in the process of transforming to a utensil drawer organizer. Hook means 145 and 147 serve as an additional or as an alternative means of fastening front wall 111 securely in place, and said hook means are shown here in an unhooked position.

Referring to FIG. 6, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is viewed from the side, with clip means 141 released to allow front panel 111 to fold forward almost completely on hinge means 121, in the process of transforming to a utensil drawer organizer. Hook means 145 and 147 serve as an additional, or as an alternative means of removably fastening front wall 111 securely in place, and said hook means are shown here in an unhooked position.

Referring to FIG. 7, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is viewed from the side, with clip means 141 released to allow front panel 111 to fold forward completely on hinge means 121, transforming said utensil basket into a utensil drawer organizer. Hook means 145 and 147 serve as an additional or as an alternative means of removably fastening front wall 111 securely in place, and said hook means are shown here in an unhooked position.

Referring to FIG. 8, household dishwasher utensil basket 140 is viewed obliquely from the side, clip means 141 released to allow with front panel 111 to fold forward, completely on hinge means 121, said front panel 111 being flexible as a result of incorporated hinge means 131, 132, 133, 134 and 135, transforming said utensil basket into a utensil drawer organizer. Hook means 145 and 147 serve as an additional or as an alternative means to clip means 141 of removably fastening front wall 111 securely in place, and said hook means are shown here in an unhooked position.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the present invention should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. 

I claim:
 1. A removable dishwasher utensil basket that transforms into a utensil holder for a drawer, comprising: a basket, including a front wall, rear wall, bottom and opposing side walls, and a top walk, said top wall using a fastening means to secure the top of said basket, and said front wall attached to the front bottom edge of said rear wall by hinge means allowing said front wall to fold forward and open and be folded under said rear wall after the basket is removed from the dishwasher, forming a utensil basket which may be inserted into a drawer.
 2. The removable dishwasher utensil basket according to claim 1, wherein the size, shape and material composition have been selected to allow said basket to be compatible with dishwashers manufactured by major appliance manufacturers. 